Double M Campground

For those of us in Illinois who cherish the great outdoors, finding the perfect spot to set up camp can make all the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one. Southern Illinois, with its breathtaking landscapes and rugged beauty, is a treasure trove for nature lovers, and at its heart lies a true gem: Double M Campground. More than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent, Double M Campground has cultivated a reputation as a warm, welcoming community that makes every visitor feel like family. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Shawnee National Forest, this establishment offers a unique blend of pristine natural beauty and exceptional hospitality. It’s a destination that caters to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, from casual campers and families to dedicated hikers and equestrians. The convenience of having an on-site bar and grill, combined with a friendly atmosphere, sets it apart from typical campgrounds. It’s a place where you can spend your days exploring miles of scenic trails and your evenings relaxing with good food and good company. The sense of belonging and community is a recurring theme in the feedback from those who have visited, with many highlighting the friendly interactions with the owners, staff, and fellow long-term campers. This creates a special environment where strangers quickly become friends, and a simple weekend trip can turn into a cherished, long-term tradition. For any Illinois resident looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in a setting of natural beauty and genuine kindness, Double M Campground provides an ideal and unmatched opportunity.

Double M Campground is located at 5320 Thacker Hollow Rd, Junction, IL 62954, USA, placing it in a prime position to serve as a perfect base camp for exploring the rugged beauty of Southern Illinois. The campground is conveniently situated to allow easy access to some of the state's most famous natural landmarks. Just a short drive away, you can find the stunning rock formations of Garden of the Gods and the scenic trails of Rim Rock, both of which are part of the vast Shawnee National Forest. The location on Thacker Hollow Road offers a peaceful, rural setting, yet remains easily accessible from major routes, making it a straightforward journey for travelers coming from all over Illinois, whether from the Chicago suburbs or towns in the central part of the state. The fact that the campground borders the Shawnee National Forest on three sides is a major advantage, providing direct access to an extensive and well-mapped trail system right from the camp itself. Accessibility is a key feature, and the campground ensures that all visitors can enjoy their stay, with a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance. This commitment to inclusivity means that everyone, regardless of mobility, can experience the beauty of this area. The location is not only a gateway to incredible hiking and sightseeing but also a place where you can truly feel away from it all while still having the convenience of a nearby town. The clear directions and straightforward access make planning a trip to Double M Campground a breeze, allowing you to focus on the adventure that awaits. Its proximity to natural wonders makes it an exceptional hub for outdoor recreation.

Services Offered:

• RV camping with electric and water hookups. The campground features a variety of sites, including pull-throughs, to accommodate different types of recreational vehicles. A dump station is also available on-site for guest use.
• Tent sites and a large primitive camping area for those who prefer a more traditional camping experience. These sites offer a more rustic feel, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.
• Clean and well-maintained public restrooms and a heated and air-conditioned public shower house. These facilities are a point of pride for the campground, ensuring that guests have a comfortable and clean place to freshen up after a day of outdoor activities.
• On-site services are extensive, highlighted by the "Trails End Bar & Grill." This establishment provides a full menu with a variety of delicious, down-home dishes, from fish and specialty burgers to fresh-cut ribeye and homemade pie. It is open on weekends and holidays from March through November.
• Free Wi-Fi access, particularly at the restaurant, which is a great amenity for those who need to stay connected or simply want to check in with friends and family.
• Equestrian facilities, including covered and uncovered stalls and tie-line poles, making it a perfect destination for those traveling with horses.
• Running water and picnic tables are available for all campers, providing essential comforts for an enjoyable stay.
• On-site parking, including free parking lots and free street parking, ensures that guests have a secure place for their vehicles.

Features / Highlights:

• A bar and grill with a fantastic reputation for delicious food and great prices. As one visitor noted, the food is "amazing." The "Trails End Bar & Grill" also features a large 1200-foot porch with an outdoor fireplace, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for meals and socializing.
• The unparalleled sense of community and friendly atmosphere, where campers and staff make everyone feel like family. This is a distinguishing feature that sets the campground apart and is consistently highlighted in positive reviews.
• Direct access to a huge, marked, and mapped trail system within the Shawnee National Forest, with four trailheads leaving directly from the camp. This is a major draw for hikers and outdoor adventurers, providing endless opportunities for exploration.
• Kid-friendly amenities, including a playground and trails suitable for children, making it an excellent choice for family camping trips. The mention of seeing horses on the property also adds a unique and fun element for young visitors.
• Wi-Fi availability, which, as one reviewer mentioned, is "the cherry on the top," providing a modern convenience in a natural setting.
• Pet-friendly policies, as dogs are allowed, meaning you don't have to leave your furry companions behind when you go on your adventure.
• The availability of running water and clean, heated shower facilities, which are essential features for a comfortable and convenient stay.

Contact Information:

Address: 5320 Thacker Hollow Rd, Junction, IL 62954, USA

Phone: (618) 275-4440

What is worth choosing:

Choosing Double M Campground means you are opting for an experience that goes far beyond a typical camping trip. While many campgrounds offer a place to stay, Double M offers a true sense of community and a home base for adventure. What truly makes it worth choosing is the combination of its friendly, family-like atmosphere and its extensive amenities. The reviews speak for themselves, with visitors raving about how the people "make you feel like you are part of the family," a rare and valuable quality. The on-site "Trails End Bar & Grill" is another major selling point, providing not just food but a delicious, convenient dining experience that eliminates the need to travel elsewhere for a great meal. The food's reputation for being "amazing" is a testament to its quality. This blend of on-site services, including the bar and grill, Wi-Fi, and a heated shower house, elevates the comfort level significantly. But the campground’s most compelling asset is its location. Its direct access to the vast and beautiful Shawnee National Forest, with its countless trails and natural wonders like Garden of the Gods and Rim Rock, makes it the perfect launchpad for exploration. Whether you are an avid hiker, an equestrian enthusiast, or simply a family looking to enjoy the beauty of Illinois, the campground provides the ideal setting. The fact that it is pet-friendly and good for kids means that no one has to be left out of the adventure. It's a place where you can enjoy the peace of nature while still having the comfort of modern amenities and the warmth of a welcoming community. For any Illinois resident seeking a dependable, friendly, and well-equipped place to escape, relax, and explore, Double M Campground is an exceptional and highly recommended choice that promises to turn a simple trip into a cherished memory.

Double M Campground

5320 Thacker Hollow Rd, Junction, IL 62954, USA